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Myers putting up Puig-like numbers

Myers putting up Puig-like numbers

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Myers' RBI single 0:39

7/20/13: Wil Myers shoots a single to left that sends Desmond Jennings home and hands the Rays another run in the top of the third

By Bill Chastain
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MLB.com |

TORONTO -- Since rookie Wil Myers joined the Rays on June 18, they have gone 21-8, including Saturday's 4-3 win over the Blue Jays. During that span, he leads all Major League rookies in RBIs (18) and is tied with the Dodgers' Yasiel Puig in home runs (four) and is second in hits with 35 behind Puig's 36.

On Saturday, Myers went 2-for-4 with two RBIs in his first game batting cleanup.

Only one player in Rays history had as many hits and RBIs in his first 27 Major League games: Rocco Baldelli, who had 40 hits and 20 RBIs in 2003.

Myers' fourth home run of the season came on an 0-2 pitch from Esmil Rogers leading off the fourth inning of Friday's 8-5 win over the Blue Jays. The ball went to right field -- Myers' opposite field -- and opened some eyes, including those of manager Joe Maddon.

"That 0-2 home run was pretty different," Maddon said. "That was really well struck right there."

Myers grinned when asked if he knew he "got it" well enough to go out.

"Yeah I did," Myers said. "I got it on the barrel, so I knew it had a chance to get out."

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.